The standard length of study is ten semesters. The teaching is shared almost evenly by the University of Greifswald and the University of Szczecin and ends with a double degree: the Erstes Staatsexamen (First State Examination) at the University of Greifswald and the Magister at the University of Szczecin. The degree course has no admission restrictions; students applying to the University of Greifswald only require corresponding language skills: level A2 CEFR in Polish and B2 CEFR in German.
The degree course was developed around the expertise of the two universities in the fields of German, Polish and educational sciences. Students learn historical and systematic aspects of the German and Polish languages and literatures and attain the skills required for teaching both languages. This is complimented by relevant knowledge in the areas of education and psychology.
In order to attain a near-native level of language, one of the key focus areas is the acquisition of the neighbouring language. This will be realised not only by classical forms of language teaching, but also by the use of online tandems. In tandem learning, students help one another to learn the neighbouring language. Furthermore, the degree course is distinguished by its strong practice orientation. Students complete periods of teaching practice in both countries and therefore gain an intensive insight into the two school systems. The periods of study in the neighbouring country and the contact to the students at the partner university also help to broaden their intercultural competence. ‘Whilst developing the programme for the cross-border training of teachers, we concentrated on creating joint structures that will have a sustainable effect on German-Polish collaboration in education,’ says course coordinator, Ms. Zuzanna Papierz. ‘We are particularly proud that we have been able to develop a joint final examination: our students will receive two degrees following successful completion of just one examination.’
Lehramt Deutsch-Polnisch binational is one of very few double degree programmes for students training to become teachers in the whole of Europe and the first collaboration of its kind between Germany and Poland. The degree programme not only provides students with new career perspectives, but also makes a significant contribution to cultural exchange in the border region, fostering the coalescence of the two neighbouring nations.
Further Information
Information about the binational German-Polish teacher training degree programme [de]
Information video in German and Polish [de]
Contacts at the University of Greifswald
Course Adviser
Prof. Andreas Ohme
Department of Slavonic Studies
Ernst-Lohmeyer-Platz 3, 17489 Greifswald
Tel.: +49 3834 420 3215
andreas.ohmeuni-greifswaldde
Course Coordinator
Zuzanna Papierz
Department of Slavonic Studies
Ernst-Lohmeyer-Platz 3, 17489 Greifswald
Tel.: +49 3834 420 1331
zuzanna.papierzuni-greifswaldde